SmarterDividends

HWBK vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, MA (Mastercard Incorporated) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. HWBK offers the higher yield at 2.20%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and HWBK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price).

Key facts: HWBK vs MA

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (HWBK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.20%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HWBK's dividend safety A (88/100) and MA's A (89/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, HWBK has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years and MA for 14.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, HWBK pays out 22% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, HWBK's fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so HWBK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "HWBK vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hwbk-vs-ma

MetricHWBKMA
Forward yield2.20%0.56%
Annual dividend$0.84$3.48
Payout ratio22%18%
Years of growth15 yr14 yr
5-yr dividend growth11.8%13.7%
5-yr total return66%96%
Dividend safety score88 (A)89 (A)
Fair value estimate$56.73$474.95
Upside to fair value+49%-23%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$278.4M$540.9B
P/E ratio10.434.0

Higher yield

HWBK

2.20%

Safer dividend

MA

Grade A

Faster growth

MA

13.7%

Better value

HWBK

+49% upside

HWBK vs MA — FAQ

Is HWBK or MA a better dividend stock?

On the data, MA wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). HWBK offers the higher yield (2.20%), while MA has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, HWBK or MA?

HWBK has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.20%, versus 0.56% for MA.

Is HWBK or MA safer?

MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is HWBK or MA better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, HWBK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 49% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.